Columbia, S.C., April 22, 2021 – Today, in honor of Earth Day 2021, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship. USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Electric Loan Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.
“When we invest in accessible and modern climate-smart infrastructure in rural communities, we invest in rebuilding the middle class by creating good-paying jobs,” Maxson said. “The investments we are announcing today demonstrate how the Biden-Harris Administration has put rural communities at the heart of climate action and climate-smart solutions.”
“The announcements today are examples of USDA’s commitment to provide investments to rural South Carolinians through our programs,” said USDA South Carolina Acting State Director for Rural Development Marty Bright-Rivera. One of the intents of our programs, is to assist rural America with the modern infrastructure needed to overcome the effects of remoteness and low population density.”
Highlights of today’s announcement include investments in:
Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure:
USDA is investing $374 million through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 31 states. Through its Water and Environmental Programs, USDA funds vital water infrastructure that directly benefits the health, economic vitality and environment of rural America.
For example, the Town of Bethune, S.C. will use a $50,000 grant to provide additional financing to replace the town's old meters with a new radio-read system, replace existing water mains, valves, hydrants, and related appurtenances. Previous funding includes $2.9 million in Rural Development loans and grants. This project will provide a healthier environment for 334 residential users.
Renewable Energy in Rural Communities:
USDA is investing $78 million in renewable energy infrastructure in 30 states through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). This program helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. Projects financed under this program can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that affects our climate.
For example, in South Carolina:
- AAA Transportation Services Inc., DBA Lewis Truck Lines, is receiving a $15,250 grant for the purchase and installation of a 19.98 kWh rooftop solar array at its new location in Aynor, S.C. The project will generate 32,396 kWh of electricity per year.
- Kelly Farms, LLC, located in Edgefield County, is receiving a $20,000 grant to be used for the purchase and installation of a 54.4 kWh solar array on the poultry houses. The project will realize $6,354 per year in savings and replace 79,426 kWh of energy.
- Askins Quarters LLC, a family owned business, is the location of a local hunting club in Williamsburg County, where members gather to use the property for legal hunting, fishing, a shooting range and skeet shoot, education and other related services. An $11,500 grant will be used for the purchase and installation of a 12.32 kW solar array. This project will realize $1,868.12 per year in savings and will replace 15,439 kWh 100 percent per year.
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Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov/sc.
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